After using mobile phone cameras for coverage, the decision has been made to go back to using a photographic camera. Do not get it wrong, phone cameras are convenient, handy but the disadvantages are numerous. Foremost, the battery life is limited. After a few hours of producing pictures and videos, suddenly one bar on the screen. Additionally, mobile phone batteries have to be replaced.
Secondly, the numerous creative options on photography cameras are expansive. The presets there are many image techniques for a shoot and in post-production. Plus, the images are just sharper. For a lowlight fashion show, cameras have more optimal settings.
How about a collection that says “me now”? I did not know the Paula Cademartori until a fashion colleague asked me to accompany her to the presentation at a Milan antique store. The designer goes for strong fall statement accessories with bags and shoes.
I knew I had a noticeable camera for covering Paris Fashion Week Couture when the hotel staff told me to be careful walking around the city with a camera like this. The warning: Do not let that camera out of your sight. I took it to heart. The funny matter of the situation. At many events i got asked, “Are you a photographer?” I could have been in the photographers pit. I gained respect over my other colleagues carrying an iPhone. There is still credibility having a DSLR.
Felt good on my shoulder
The Canon EOS 750D feels and looks like a good professional camera at an entry level point. I managed to get some fast shots sitting front row. At 6fps combined with 24.2 pixels, I did not worry.
Perfect in a Low Light Setting
I got the pics
The Auto Focus was reliable. I used the control dial a bit depending on the lighting situation never sure whether to use the screen or view finder for a shot. I noticed I got better shots with using the viewfinder. The common critical thread about the viewfinder for this model is the viewfinder only covers 95%, not 100%. It means the user has to be careful when framing a shot or prepare for a surprise reviewing the images later.
Simple TouchScreen
Paris
Canon EOS 750D
The simple to use touchscreen flips making it easy for me to use the HD video feature. I produce walking video commentaries on the streets of the French Capital while dashing to a show. I mix producing both videos and pictures but need something light to carry around on the run. If the quality is good enough for streaming online immediately, I am happy. The 750D matched those needs.
A runway shot
Fashion Designers
I did not use the WiFi Connection for my tablet. There is a Canon app for controlling the camera remotely.
As a creative device The EOS 750D has good merit. There is no need to spend an arm and leg to go to the next level. There are enough goodies to stay in the content production game.
During Milan Fashion Week it was refreshing to meet a person who appreicuates and supports fashion designer . A “fashion influencer” is a person who goes to shows and posts endless selfies with freebies from brands. How many “Influencers” really support designers or brands?
Meeting Briana Linea of Instagram account “Fashion_Fridays”, 330.000 followers, was refreshing. An “Influencer” with business insights promoting new designers, introducing them to retailers, and giving professional advice.
Did she convince me to return to Instagram? HA!
Side Note: It was really hot that day. The Sparkling Wine was needed.
IFA 2018 coverage sponsored by Canon Camera (WERBUNG)
A day full of surprises at IFA. The market for consumer electronics is going strong. Many brands are becoming design focus as technology moves into every room of the modern house.
I was in a state of shock when an IFA colleague told me the new Blackberry is good. is there a need for Blackberry in the age of Apple and Samsung? According to him, “YES”!
Polaroid, the vampire device that cannot be killed is moving into the digital era with it iconic point and shoot camera. I was waiting for Partridge Family to roll up riding a Psychedelic Colored bus.
It is all about streaming and talking to a device, audio. Google Google Everywhere! The wave of the future is voice activation. Google Assistant is going to be in your living room to obey and serve. At the same time Amazon’s Alexa is preparing to take control of life as we know it. It feels like a war is brewing between the two tech titans. Personally, I am ready for VO in my house. I still get up to turn off a light.
Bang and Olufsen introduced a small but powerful motion censored audio device, the Edge. It did not wow me like last years sound wall. The circular speaker detects movement in the room and can be controlled by a touch or movement. The specs and materials are what a buyers expects from the high end Danish Brand, all top notch and cutting edge.
Acer unveiled new devices including a light weight laptop and new VR headgear. The VR gear scared me a bit. It look liked a lot of tech packed into a headgear. I will test it later.
Asus surprised me. I liked the look and specs of the Asian brands new PC’s, A new design DNA. Look for more details later.
During Milan Fashion Week Men we met up with Ukrainian Model Ivan Goldfinch from the WonderWall agency for a quick interview. This is a very fast video, the question: What is Fashion?
If you happen to be in Milan this week make sure you have a chance to see a monumental fashion collection titled Italiana at the impressive Palazzo Real Milano, located in the centre of the city beside Duomo. The exhibition spans the the story of fashion the city from 1971 to 2001 with looks drawing from the cities wealth of designers. Highly impressive and inspiring for anyone who loves fashion. There is no doubt Milan deserves its place as the CHIC CAPITAL of world. I had goose bumps walking from room to room.
This is the last week, ending on the 6th of May. HURRY!
Black and Paper interview with filmmaker Philipp Jedicke, his first film, “Shut Up and Play the Piano” a mockumentary following the life of Musical Artist Chilly Gonzales premiered at the Berlinale.
Director Philipp Jedicke at the Berlinale.
Why did you choose to make a documentary as your first film project?
I interviewed Chilly Gonzales when I was a journalist. As I learned more about him the more I wanted to know. My curiosity was peaked. I saw his many facets, I asked if anyone has produced a portrait or film on him. He said, “no!” He told me to do it. I had a lot of ideas about making a film but none came to fruition until this project.
You were not worried about working with an artist who is talented but a bit egocentric?
Not at all! I met him person. I knew the whole Chilly Gonzales mode he goes into was really a stage persona. Behind all of that is gentle, emotional, and nice guy. As Chilly he is erratic and in rage but for him as artist it is a wall of protection. The two are linked, but totally different mind sets.
What type of humor is employed in the film?
We tried to mirror Gonzales’ humor. I hope we managed. There is a lot of irony, sarcasm, and the “HA HA Jokes”.
How much footage did you shoot, the film is 82 minutes.
We filmed a lot over the 30 shooting days, much is on the cutting room floor. This is my first film so I gave myself complete coverage. I interviewed a number of people for the film but I had to cut them which made me sad, but as a director but I wanted to stay focus on Chilly.
How long did it take you to make the film?
From the first shooting day until now, premiere at the 68thBerlinale February 2018, three and half years. We did not have the end credits finished when the film was chosen only a few weeks ago. The producers were very supportive of me, giving a lot of control.
The camera work is really good, there was a good relationship with the production team?
My team was familiar with Chilly Gonzales’ work. I was lucky because I worked with an experienced Director of Photography, Michael Winterbauer. My first DP, Marcel Kolenbach, had to leave because of a schedule conflict. The editor, Hank Drees has been in working on documentaries for 20 years and Carina Mergens. They all knew the character I was working with as well they had great enthusiasm.
What are your future plans?
I would like to make film about another musical artist. I am in talks. My site is on The Austrian Music Scene, fascinating, a lot is happening there; many artists producing techno and indie sounds.
Music influences your work?
Yes! I was a member of 2 bands, but now only one. Music has always been an important part of my life. I never tried to make a living as a musician, I wrote about music, but the saying is “Music Journalist are fustrated musicians”. I think this is true in many ways.
Shut Up and Play The Piano was screened at the 68thBerlinale.
Check local listing for release dates and screening times.
This interview is from our #thisberlinale18 coverage sponsored by Canon Camera and Pringle of Scotland.
I loved this model at the Damir Doma presentation so I waited until she got into a look so I could produce a video of her in one of the designers looks.
A throwback video from the Ivanman Fashion Show at Berlin Fashion Week. Black and Paper was backstage, models getting ready, crew members preparing for the runway show. We turned our camera on a make up artist waiting to finish for a male model to ask him a question about his work.
